Senior captain relies on desire

Desire. That's what the Sigma Phi Epsilon team is all about. \nSenior captain Michael Zycinski knows it. So does their coach Jeff Tackbary. They believe that this team has the desire needed that will lead them to the top.\n"They have a lot of focus," Tackbary said. "My job is to get them into peak condition for the race."\nZycinski leads a team that returns only two riders from last year's team that finished in third place. Senior Mark Downing is the only other returner with Zycinski. Sophomore David Jordan and junior Eric Derheimer are the other two riders for Sigma Phi Epsilon.\nDespite losing two riders, Tackbary said this team is stronger than the one from last year. He believes that Jordan and Derheimer are better than most rookies. Both were in the top 32 in the Individual Time Trials.\n"They have great attitudes and are adjusting well. They know that the more effort you put in, the more you'll get out of it," Tackbary said. "Their learning curve is great. Those guys will have to break out of a shell. There's nothing like race day."\nTackbary is in his second year as coach of Sigma Phi Epsilon after three years as a rider. He believes his main goal is to pass on his knowledge of the race.\n"I see my job as maintaining and translating the knowledge I've learned," Tackbary said. "There's a big mental aspect to the race. I try to relax the guys and keep them headed in the right direction."\nThe best thing going for Sigma Phi Epsilon may be their captain, Zycinski. Derheimer said Zycinski has taught him a lot about the race already. Jordan credits Zycinski's leadership.\n"We knew that Mike was coming back this year and really wanted to win," Jordan said. "When we're out on rides, he really pushes us to the max."\nTackbary believes that Zycinski is exactly what you look for in a captain.\n"Michael is the best leader that you can have," Tackbary said. "You have to have a leader that can motivate and lead. He makes my job easier."\nSigma Phi Epsilon is expecting a good finish after placing third last year. They've been riding in races since last summer. Jordan said the team does put a lot of pressure on themselves to win. Downing said it's part of racing every year.\n"We go into every season as a victory for us," Downing said. "We think that we can win every year."\nDerheimer said the team is prepared, and it will all come down to race day.\n"I think we have a good chance to win. But the race is always unpredictable," Derheimer said. "I think we've done all we can in preparation for the race."\nThe race will come down to who wants it the most. Zycinski knows it will come down to desire.\n"These guys are really focused," he said. "We know we want to win"